I have been bad about updating over the past few days. Matt is back at work, and I am trying to get the hang of this NICU parenting thing on my own. Yes, we have nurses eager to help, but I like to try to do it all--it's good practice for when we get out of here (or in nurse code, "going to the zoo"--they say that instead of h.o.m.e. because babies tend to hear that word and then throw a wrench in the plan). We still aren't really sure where that is on the horizon for us, it just depends on how Quinn continues to progress.
As of today, we have been cleared to "ad-lib" her feeds. This means that because she had successfully taken 60 ml from a bottle, we could let her eat to her hearts desire every three hours. This also included me being able to attempt breast feeding. She's figuring it all out, and getting in between 60-80 ml a feed between bottle & mama. What a big girl! We are really focused ultimately on Quinn's ability to pack on the pounds. She had a steady increase but went down a bit as of recently. Last night she seemed to level out and remained exactly the same. We are hoping that is a sign she is going to go up tonight! If she can continue to eat, have semi normal bowel habits, and gain, we will officially label her as the cutest, biggest, badass peanut that ever lived (no bias there ;) But really...we are so so proud of her and so impressed by her each and every day.
So for now, we continue to let Quinn tell us what she needs and let her little body figure things out. When she is ready to "go to the zoo", her body will let us know. For now, we will keep snuggling & spoiling her rotten.
Quinn Loves:
- Eating & Snoozing
- Having her hands up by her face (or attempting to claw her eyes out--mittens have come in handy, although I find them to be hideous and annoying)
- Her nurses who always stop by to check in, even when they don't have her: Lindsay, Rachael, Kat, Melanie, & Brooke.
- Her new book from Emme & Jack "Wherever you are, my love will find you" (try reading it without sobbing--I dare you)
Quinn is not a fan of:
- Her "care" every four hours (vitals, measurements, temperature probes & diaper changes)
- Having to wait to eat...you think her mama gets hangry--she takes it to a whole new level
- Being in the NICU...everyone here has been wonderful, but she wants out!
So glad to hear how you are all doing. We continue to pray for Quinn's healing and improvement. She amazes us all with her ability to overcome her challenges. I know she will continue to grow and thrive, and we are all rooting for her to get to the zoo as quickly as possible. We love you Quinn!!!
ReplyDeleteSooooo great to have an update honey and know little Quinn is growing, healing & beginning to nurse at her own pace....praying for a permanent trip to the Zoo soon!!
ReplyDeleteWe love you all.....xoxoxoxo!
(Little Quinn has given.....
Simon & Garfunkles "At the Zoo"
& the movie "We bought a Zoo" a whole new meaning!!!)
What an exciting update! (but not TOO exciting - I don't want to jinx the potential zoo timing!) Great news for Q, and I know you're rocking it out as a NICU mama, too.
ReplyDeleteIt's so fun to get to know your little lady and her personality. These posts are going to be such a treasure for her when she gets older; I have a strong feeling that, as a big badass kid, she'll love seeing the origins of her badass-ness ;)
XOXO